Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. / Isaiah J. Downing, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt had already earned a ton of league-wide respect as the league's most dominant defender.

Now the Houston Texans game wrecker is being paid as the league's best defensive player after the Texans rewarded the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft with a six-year, $100-million extension worth $51.8 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity since the club has yet to announce the news.